Specifications

Chapter 1 Getting Started
Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of RFID technology and components, and describes the MC319Z RFID mobile
computer and its features.
RFID Technology Overview
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an advanced automatic identification (Auto ID) technology that uses radio
frequency signals to identify tagged items. An RFID tag contains a circuit that can store data. This data may be
pre-encoded or can be encoded in the field. The tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
To read a tag the mobile computer sends out radio frequency waves using its integrated antenna. This RF field
powers and charges the tags, which are tuned to receive radio waves. The tags use this power to modulate the
carrier signal. The reader interprets the modulated signal and converts the data to a format for computer storage.
The computer application translates the data into an understandable format.
Figure 1-1
RFID System Elements
Host Computer
Tags
Mobile Computer
Wireless LAN/
BT/ActiveSync
RF Wave and
Response